Breaking News: FCTA Acknowledges Abuja Warehouse Looting, Public Outcry Grows

Breaking News: FCTA Acknowledges Abuja Warehouse Looting, Public Outcry Grows

In a stark reflection of the economic challenges gripping Nigeria, the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed the looting of its warehouse in Dei-Dei by residents of the FCT.

Addressing the press on the distressing incident, spokesperson for the ARD Secretariat, Zakari Aliyu, revealed that the warehouse was stripped bare by desperate residents, resulting in extensive damage to the property.

Aliyu further announced that FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and FCT Mandate Secretary, Agric Secretariat, Lawan Geidam, are set to visit the facility on Monday to provide additional information and assess the extent of the damage.

“We witnessed the aftermath of the looting this morning. The Secretary and some officials of the Secretariat were present. Tomorrow, the Secretary along with the Minister of State will visit the site again. You will receive all the necessary information then,” Aliyu assured.

Describing the severity of the looting, Aliyu lamented the extent of the damage, noting that not only were food items plundered but the very structure of the warehouse was vandalized, with the roof and windows forcibly removed.

Meanwhile, amidst reports of warehouse plundering, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) moved swiftly to quell rumors of its own warehouse being targeted.

Through an official statement from its Press Unit, NEMA clarified that the alleged looted warehouse does not belong to the agency, reaffirming the integrity of its inventory and the security measures in place to safeguard its assets.

“The looted warehouse does not belong to NEMA. However, we extend our sympathy to the affected owners,” the statement affirmed, seeking to dispel misinformation and reinforce confidence in the agency’s operational security.

As concerns mount over security breaches, NEMA’s Director-General, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, has instructed zonal directors and operations heads to bolster security measures across the agency’s offices and warehouses nationwide, underscoring their commitment to safeguarding emergency supplies and facilities.